Abstract

This edited volume of essays is the first inter-disciplinary scholarly collection to provide an in-depth and new perspective on the medical and scientific activity of one of the eighteenth century's most successful and controversial theological figures, John Wesley. These essays, written by established scholars in the field, convincingly correct a persistent view of Wesley as an irresponsible religious enthusiast who confused medical science and theology. The reader is given here instead a picture of someone who was a critical admirer of Enlightenment principles: a deeply pious individual who could minister to the physical and spiritual welfare of the poor, applying remedies for the body or prayer for the soul as and when appropriate.